EPOV

The pain was unbearable. In all of my many years, I had never felt this much… sorrow. I was so confused and irritated at the same moment, wanting to decipher the thoughts that she wasn't revealing or the reason behind her insane conclusion. I was overjoyed, in a terrible way. It seemed like an impossible dream that she could really love me – something I had been hoping for but never expecting or truly wanting. I was scared about my control, in this small wrong with the scent of her blood, though I knew that I would be able to resist. I was frightened that she wanted to be with me, because I was so afraid for her. All of the emotions swirling around my head were so complex, it felt like I had a headache.

Most of all, I felt pain. I looked into her eyes, which were filled with tears on my behalf. I should have never brought her into this dangerous life, and it was all my fault. I should have just protected her, like I had with Newton. I should have never involved her. But I wanted to involve her in some sick, sadistic way. I loved her more than anything, and I wanted her to love me. I wanted her to love me if I was human.

Oh, how easy things would be! There would be no mythical creature feuds and we could live together forever. I would be able to stare at her beauty every second for the rest of my life… since I would be human I would never leave her, because I would be dreaming of her as well.

I should have never involved her.

I had few options to choose from now.

There was the obvious – leave well enough alone. She could live a normal life forever, without me disrupting that. I wanted that so badly, but I felt guilty for not wanting it at the same time.

I could stay with her, which would be so nice. I wanted it; she wanted it – though I didn't want that for her of course. She could live to be an old age, and we could be together. I could work on my control gradually and maybe I could make that work. I would have to make sure that she knew everything, so she would make an informative decision. But would it be right if that was my choice?

I could change her. No. Never. Alice wasn't always right, and for once, I was willing to bet against her. I would never take her life away from her. Never.

I sighed quietly. I felt her stir beside me. It had only been a few seconds for me to identify all of those, though I felt wary.

I looked up at her again, her tears were almost dry.

BPOV

I waited for him to speak. It was a very agonising few seconds. He looked into my eyes with a kind of hope, and I was pleased. I half smiled.

"I do love you." He murmured.

I smiled.

"You need to know everything. I don't want you with me until you know everything – until you realise what you're getting into. I want you happy, and if being with me makes you happy, then I'll do my best."

I could agree with that. I nodded. He smiled crookedly.

"First things first, we need to get you fixed." Edward smiled.

He picked me up very gently, still concentrating on not hurting me, I presumed. I just smiled at him, and he smiled back, though his lips were still pressed together.

He led us into the other medical room, where Carlisle was waiting for us. He grinned. Edward smirked while Alice came dancing into the room.

"Am I missing something?" I asked.

Edward just shook his head.

"Later." He promised with a wink.

EPOV

The look of joy in her eyes chased away some of my guilt. I picked her up again, her warmth in my arms and the electricity between us chasing away the fire in my throat.

Edward! Alice mentally screamed at me. Guess what? Ijusthadavision! She explained in a rush. There was a faint smile on my lips now. My eyes were still glued to Bella's. You're gonna have girlfriend! Bella honestly doesn't care that you're a freak and she's gonna be with you for forever!

She had obviously forgotten that I had been rude to her.

We entered Carlisle's x-ray room.

I'm really sorry, Edward. I couldn't help but listen a little. It's good news, though, isn't it? Carlisle thought.

I gave the smallest fraction of a nod. Bella seemed to notice.

"Am I missing something?" she asked in irritation and amusement.

I smiled at her and shook my head.

"Later." I grinned at her, winking.

She didn't take her eyes off me the entire time that Carlisle was fitting a cast on her arm. I didn't mind, for I couldn't take my eyes off her either. I held her hand during the duration of the time and by the end of it all, my hand was warm for the first time in ages.

"There you are, Bella. Be sure not to take off that cast." Carlisle warned her.

She nodded.

Carlisle left the room, leaving us alone. I felt gratitude towards him. I knelt down beside her, testing my limits at how close I could get to her. Bella stiffened, blushed, then smiled. I laughed.

"You owe me an explanation." She reminded me.

"Bella, we have all the time in the world. For now, just rest." I murmured.

"Likely, Edward." She frowned.

Even the sound of my name on her lips sent a thrill through my whole body. I sighed quietly and she grinned.

"Well, I guess I'll have to use my persuasion powers." I teased.

She raised her eyebrows. I leaned towards her as far as I dared, and began to hum a tune – a lullaby – her lullaby. Without permission, her eyes began to droop, surrendering to the song. I felt relief at this because she needed sleep. I felt happy too, knowing that I was soothing her. Soon, she lay asleep before me. I raised her warm hand and kissed it very lightly on her palm.

The blood gushing through her veins lay just beneath my fingertips, though I paid no attention to the thirst I suddenly felt because my love for her was more strong than anyone's blood.

I sighed as I got up, knowing that an explanation would not be able to be delayed much longer. Half a second later, I was standing. I took my time, walking downstairs and paid more attention to the smell of Bella fading away. Even this knowledge upset me – it was if she were running away, as she should.

Carlisle, Esme, Emmett and Alice were sitting on the couch facing me, waiting. Jasper must still be sulking while Rose was moping.

Please talk, Edward. Alice is nearly ready to explode. She is very sorry, don't put this on her shoulders until we know what happened. Esme thought.

I sighed and sat down with them. Every head turned towards me.

"Bella was at her truck, and she was getting in. I was going to follow her home, as she had agreed to accompany me out this evening." Three pairs of eyebrows shot up, though Alice seemed more smug than surprised. "I didn't here him, I was too preoccupied." Emmett chuckled. "He grabbed her first, and then me. I was shocked at first, but he was stronger. I was more focused on getting Bella out than hurting him, which is why he overpowered me.

"He hurt me infront of her, and her infront of me. The wolves came." This time, even Alice raised her eyebrows. "I ran Bella back while they finished him off. I heard his thoughts and I heard theirs. Mike is dead."

They stared at me.

"Why couldn't Alice see?" Carlisle murmured.

"Who knows? Maybe it's something to do with Mike? Maybe that was his power." Esme suggested.

"Nope. I've been seeing him fighting with Edward for a while." Alice said.

"And you couldn't have stressed that before he hurt her?" I asked angrily.

"I didn't want to worry you, and I thought that I would see when it would happen. I didn't think it would happen so soon without warning."

"Could it be the wolves?" Emmett asked.

"Hmm… I have never seen them before…" Alice said.

"Maybe it's some sort of protection against us? Like some sort of force field?"

"But I can read their minds." I pointed out.

"Who knows, Edward? Trust me, I would have helped if I could. If I had seen, I would have been there in a heartbeat." I looked at her. "In a human heart beat." She corrected.

"What about the girl?" Esme asked.

"Alice already saw that she wouldn't mind. I'm still not sure whether this is right or not. I know it isn't, but if she wants me and I make her safe and so long as she's human, maybe this could work for now. Maybe."

"You have to go talk to her."

"She's resting. I'll wait until she's awake."

Four heads nodded in my direction and I stood up. I walked back upstairs, this time embracing the scent of her as it came closer and stronger towards me. I looked at my sleeping angel, my Bella lying in her bed.

"Edward…" she whispered.

I smiled and sat down beside her, happy to be there forever.